Angela’s Ashes by Frank McCourt

Publisher: Scribner

Genre: Memoir

Where I got it: When I was looking for an interesting book to read I found this book on Mrs. Meadow’s desk.

One sentence summary: Frank McCourt’s childhood with a drinking father and a mother trying to keep her family alive; is a struggle of poverty and sadness that is always able to make its entrance.

First sentence: My father and mother should have stayed in New York where they met and married where I was born.

First chapter review: The first chapter is an opening door to Frank McCourt’s childhood. In this chapter the author writes about how his parents met and got married in New York. He mentions that he had four brothers and at last received a baby sister. During this chapter he describes how the death of Margret—the baby sister—affected his father’s drinking habit and their decision to move back to Ireland.

Verdict: I would put this on the list of books that you’ll take time to read or read a couple times for all the details and events. I would suggest this book to anyone but young children because of death. This story is an excellent book; even better for some who have gone through a tough childhood. It will leave you wanting more.

Cover comments: Shows a filthy boy leaning against a wall without his shoes. The run down building and streets show the neighborhood isn’t as great as you may think. Though we can only assume the boy is poor, he still has a smile on his face.